British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua will see in the New Year from a hospital bed in Lagos as he recovers from a devastating road accident that claimed the lives of two of his closest companions.
Details of the Tragic Accident
The incident occurred on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Makun. Joshua was a passenger in a black Lexus SUV that was part of a two-vehicle convoy, with his security team following in a Pajero. According to police reports, the Lexus suffered a catastrophic tyre blowout, causing the driver to lose control.
The vehicle then collided with a stationary truck. Preliminary investigations by the Lagos State Police and the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) indicate that the car was travelling above the 50mph speed limit and was attempting an overtaking manoeuvre when the tyre burst occurred due to excessive speed.
Victims and the Aftermath
The crash resulted in the tragic deaths of two of Joshua's long-term friends, Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele. The other two passengers in the Lexus, including Joshua, miraculously survived. Eyewitnesses at the scene, who spoke to Punch newspaper, immediately began rescue efforts, flagging down other motorists for help before officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps arrived.
Joshua was swiftly transported to the Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, a facility renowned for its elite VIP medical services. While the two-time heavyweight world champion is in stable condition and sustained only minor injuries, medical sources state he will remain under observation for several more days as a precautionary measure.
Ongoing Investigation and Recovery
Lagos State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo has confirmed to the BBC that a formal investigation into the accident has been ordered. The police are piecing together the exact sequence of events that led to the fatal collision.
As the investigation continues, Anthony Joshua faces a sombre recovery in hospital, mourning the loss of his friends while being treated for his own injuries. His expected stay through New Year's Eve underscores the seriousness of the event, even as his physical wounds are reported to be minor.
